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Feliks' journey resembles a Hollywood movie script, with kidnappers, smugglers and clandestine border crossings.The year-old eastern imperial eagle from Serbia, started flying in August and later set off on his first migratory flight toward the
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Andrew MCKIRDY Bleary-eyed fans in Tokyo struggled to come to terms with Japan's World Cup exit after watching their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Brazil in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Japan took the lead in their last-32 clash against the five-time champions in Houston, but Brazil equalised before Gabriel Martinelli scored the winner in the 95th minute. The goal knocked the stuffing out of the 200 or so fans who had gathered to watch a match that kicked off at 2:00 am. Japan time at a public viewing in central Tokyo.Shigenobu Katsumura, wearing a blue Japan shirt and scarf, told AFP that he was proud of the team's effort but disappointed by the manner of their defeat.'To take an opponent like Brazil as far as that, you don't know what would have happened if it had gone to extra time,' said the 55-year-old.'There was still a chance, so to have that chance snuffed out is frustrating.'Japan beat Brazil for the first time in a friendly in October last year in Tokyo and their supporters believed they could shock them again.The time difference between the World Cup in North America meant fans in Japan were able to watch their team's three group-stage games at a reasonable time, with most kicking off around breakfast time or even later.Fans had to choose between setting an early alarm or staying up all night for the game against Brazil, which ended around 4:00 am local time.'I've been up all night,' said 29-year-old office worker Noa Takagi.'I'm going to go home and then go to work tomorrow. Oh no, it's actually today. I'm going to work today, from 8:30.'Late heartbreak The fans gave a collective gulp before kick-off as they watched Brazil's players sing their national anthem in their iconic canary yellow shirts, blue shorts and white socks.But apprehension turned to joy in the 29th minute when Japan midfielder Kaishu Sano drove upfield before sweeping the ball past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson for the opening goal.The nerves returned when Brazil equalised 11 minutes into the second half, and the tension reached fever pitch when the South Americans laid siege to the Japanese goal as the game moved into injury time.Martinelli punctured Japan's hopes when he popped up at the death to score the winner, leaving fans to stagger out into the Tokyo morning in search of answers.'I thought we could win, so the end was disappointing,' said 35-year-old Tomo Yoshida, wearing a curly blue wig poking through his straw hat.'I think Brazil showed what a strong football country they are. They were very good.' Japan had said they were aiming to win the World Cup, an ambitious target for a team that had never won a knock-out game at the tournament.That unwanted record remains after their latest disappointment, but supporters were at least proud that they had given Brazil a run for their money. 'I came here for the first game against the Netherlands and the atmosphere was completely different today,' said fan Katsumura.'The passion is different when you get to the knockout stage.'
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Bad Bunny's Record Label Allegedly Gifted $4,333 Apiece Concert Tickets To Sonia Sotomayor Published June 30, 2026 2:33 AM PDT Bad Bunny's record label passed out freebies to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor for a
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Paraguay coach Gustavo Alfaro praised his players for producing an "extraordinary" performance after beating Germany on penalties to secure a place in the World Cup last 16 on Monday.Julio Enciso gave Paraguay a first-half lead in Foxborough, but Kai Havertz equalised and it appeared four-time world champions Germany would eventually scrape through in extra time.However, Jonathan Tah had a goal chalked off and Paraguay won 4-3 in a dramatic shootout as goalkeeper Orlando Gill made two crucial saves, after a 1-1 draw. "I experienced it with great intensity, like everyone," said Alfaro."It was a match full of tension from start to finish because we knew we were facing one of the main title contenders, a rival of enormous quality who, beforehand, were favourites." Alfaro said his team executed the game plan effectively, limiting Germany's ability to impose their style."The players understood perfectly what the match required and put in a huge effort to prevent Germany from finding spaces and playing their game," he said.He acknowledged the physical toll of the contest, pointing to the demanding conditions on a hot day in Massachusetts."It's true we lacked certain things, but the demands of the match were very high. The temperature was high and the constant effort to recover and close down spaces often left us with less energy to attack," Alfaro added.Germany had never before lost a World Cup shootout, but Paraguay held their nerve -- even after Antonio Sanabria and Fabian Balbuena missed kicks that would have secured victory.Even that, Alfaro felt, was part of Paraguay's identity. "It seems if we don't suffer, it doesn't count. The shootout was dramatic, going to the sixth penalty," he said, before dedicating the win to supporters."This qualification is for all Paraguayans who believed in us." Paraguay won a World Cup knockout match for only the second time. Their reward is a potential date with tournament favourites France, if Didier Deschamps' side can get past Sweden on Tuesday.Enciso, who plays for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, acknowledged the challenge ahead but said he was confident Paraguay can keep their unexpected run going."They're a very good team, with players of the very highest level. No need to name them, they're stars. They win everything and we're going to prepare to face them as such," said Enciso, who came off with an injury in the second half."We also have our own strengths, and with our style of play, we're going to try to make things difficult for any opponent."A win in the next round would allow Paraguay to match their best World Cup result. They reached the quarter-finals in 2010 before losing to a late goal against eventual champions Spain.Enciso attributed Paraguay's victory over Germany to the team's fearless mentality."We respected them a lot because we knew their players. They have some very good players. But we're not afraid of anyone," he said. Related Story
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TOPSHOT - Morocco's head coach Mohamed Ouahbi and Morocco's midfielder #11 Ismael Saibari celebrate after winning in the shootout during the 2026 World Cup round of 32 football match between the Netherlands and Morocco at
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Dianna Russini I FaceTimed With Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell ... No, You Didn't! Published June 30, 2026 1:46 AM PDT | Updated June 30, 2026 6:05 AM PDT Dianna Russini is in hot water again
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Dianna Russini I FaceTimed With Vikings Coach Kevin O’Connell ... No, You Didn't! Published June 30, 2026 1:46 AM PDT Dianna Russini is in hot water again ... but this time it's not for holding
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Soccer fans clashed with police in The Hague and celebrated in Casablanca after Morocco sent the Netherlands to its earliest World Cup exit, eliminating the Dutch on penalties on Monday night.The Netherlands has a sizable
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The Ministry of Interior held a virtual meeting with a Portuguese police delegation to exchange expertise on combating cyber fraud, exploring best practices and innovative technological solutions in the field.The Ministry stressed that tackling cyber
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In the UAE, nearly 16% of the population are children aged 0 to 14 – and summer brings unique challenges for every parent watching over their little one.For parents in Sharjah and across the northern
